Hyogo

Arima Onsen Hot Springs Resort, Hyogo

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

One of the three most oldest hot springs of Japan

Arima Onsen Hot Springs Resort in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, is the hot spring resort which can go in a little less than 1 hour by the train or bus from Kobe or Osaka. Due to its location, it has been loved by many people since ancient times as the annex of Kansai region. The history of Arima Onsen is old, and the discovery of fountain dates goes far back to the age of the gods, and is called “the three most oldest hot springs of Japan” together with Dogo Onsen, Shirahama Onsen.
In the “Nihonshoki” (Chronicles of Japan), it is being described that Emperor Jomei of those days visited to this hot springs. Since then, it is said that many powerful people and famous people such as Michinaga Fujiwara and Hideyoshi Toyotomi visited to the hot-spring cure.

They make us feel the history of Arima

The long-established hotel, the souvenir shop, and the hot spring resort where a temple is built and located in a line are carrying out appearance which is full of the emotion carried out gently. They make us feel the history of Arima, which has been familiar to people for 1400 years.

Enjoy the hot spring emotion relaxedly

In the Arima hot-spring town, there are constant sources of hot springs blowing up steams here and there, several types of them are springing up. The red-brown hot water is called “gold spring”, and the colorless and transparent hot water is called “silver spring”. Here, you can enjoy the hot spring emotion relaxedly with various hot water with different spring quality and effect.

Beautiful nocturnal view of cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed

For spring Arima, the inside of towns, such as Onsenji Temple and roadside cherry trees along Arimagawa River, are dyed pink. Recommendation is Shidare cherry (a variety of cherry tree with drooping branches) over 200 years in Zenpukuji Temple. Lighting is also performed at night and a beautiful nocturnal view of cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed.

The Ten Million Dollars Night View of Kobe

When the sun goes down, you can also see the night view of Kobe which is said to be “The Ten Million Dollars Night View”. From Arima Onsen Hot Springs Resort, it takes about 40 minutes by train and bus to the downtown of Kobe and 1 hour to Osaka. After sightseeing in the Kansai area, how about enjoying hot springs at Arima at night?

Information

Name:	Arima Onsen Hot Springs Resort
Address:	Arimacho 790-3 Kobe Kita-ku, Hyogo 651-1401 Japan
Access:	JR Tokaido-honsen Line “Sannomiya-eki Station” (30 minutes by bus)
Tel:	(+81) 78-904-0708 (Arima Hot Springs Tourism Association)
Price/Charge:	Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.arima-onsen.com/

Koko-en Garden, Hyogo

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

You can enjoy different gardens with 9 different interests

The Himeji Jo castle which is a national treasure and world cultural heritage. The Koko-en Garden is located in the south-west of the castle. It is the Japanese garden with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, snow scene in winter, beautiful scenery every season.
The municipal organization centennial was commemorated and opened in 1992. Utilizing the land such as the remains of the samurai residence confirmed in the excavation survey, you can enjoy different gardens with 9 different interests as you go through the gate and fence.

The history and nature have harmonized

The greatest feature of this garden is the scenery which the history and nature have harmonized with Himeji Castle that is registered as a World Heritage Sites. The appearance that brings out the emotions of Edo is also used as a location place for period dramas and TV saga. There is also a restaurant “Kassui-ken” where you can dine while watching the garden.

The colored leaves make us feel autumn

The autumnal leaves of Koko-en Garden begin to color in November, and will be at their peak from the middle of November to late November. About 160 plants such as acer palmatum and mountain maple are planted in wide site. In the best time to see the color turns red and yellow and makes us feel autumn.

The site area is very vast

It takes about 60 minutes to complete the necessary time to go around. The site area is over 30000 square meters and it is very vast, so about 1 hour is necessary. Probably, it is good for the break at the time of getting tired, since you can drink powdered green tea in the tearoom “Soju-an.” The price is 500 yen with Matcha and confectionery.

Fantastic atmosphere different from daytime

In Koko-en Garden, “colored leaves festival” is held every year from mid-November to early December.
The concerts such as Japanese musical instruments are held during the festival. The trees in the park are lit up, and it becomes a fantastic atmosphere different from daytime. Please note that the light up will only be done on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Information

Name:	Koko-en Garden
Address:	Honmachi 68 Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012 Japan
Access:	JR Sanyo-honsen Line “Himeji-eki Station” (18 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 79-289-4120
Price:	300 yen (Adult) 150 yen (High School Students or Under)
Official site:	http://himeji-machishin.jp/ryokka/kokoen/

Himeji Castle Festival, Hyogo

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Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

The festival has started just after the Second World War

The Himeji-jo Castle is a landmark in Himeji-shi, Hyogo with a nickname of “the Castle of White Heron”.
The “Himeji Castle Festival” held in May every year by the stage in such Himeji-jo Castle has started in 1948 just after the Second World War.
It is a cheerful event which contend for the first place in Himeji.

In order to show spirit that the new town of Himeji

In the war, although the Himeji Castle was not burned down, but the town in Himeji has been almost in ruins.
The Himeji Castle Festival was born in order to show spirit that the new town of Himeji will be made now.

The Big Parade is performed focusing on the Otemae-dori Street

Many unique events are performed in the Himeji castle festival.
What is unmissable in particular is the “Big Parade” performed on the second day.
The Big Parade is performed focusing on the Otemae-dori Street of the south in Himeji Castle which is the main street of Himeji City.

It is an event which participates easily freely

The time when the Himeji Castle Festival is performed is after the middle of May every year. It is, immediately after “Golden Week” (early-May holiday season in Japan) finishes.
It is carried out by avoiding the Golden Week period when other various events are performed, so it is an event which participates easily freely.

Enjoy the charm of town of Himeji and the beauty of Himeji Castle

The fun event such as parades, stage events and dances is jam-packed during 3 days.
If possible, you stay at least 3 days in Himeji and enjoy the charm of town of Himeji and the beauty of Himeji Castle.

Information

Name:	Himeji Castle Festival
Address:	Honmachi 114 Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012 Japan
Access:	JR Sanyo-honsen Line “Himeji-eki Station” (15 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 79-287-3652
Price:	Free
Official site:	http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/

Himeji Central Park, Hyogo

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

You can enjoy various ways of enjoying in groups and families

“Himeji Central Park” in Himeji City, Hyogo prefecture is the popular complex theme park mainly in families in the Kansai region that you can enjoy safari park, amusement park, swimming pool (ice skate in winter) on a large premises. It is attractive that you can enjoy various ways of enjoying in groups and families, and to be able to play throughout the year both summer and winter.

It is impressive when looking at near

The “Drive-through Safari” can be watched slowly at your own pace while riding on your own car and safe with small children. Not only herbivorous beasts but also areas where animals such as lions and tigers swag their feet, and it is impressive when looking at near. In the time of feeding, you can see how the beasts eat foods from feeders.

The 30 minute tour time passes in a flash

You can also watch and explore with “Safari Bath” where all members can enjoy themselves thoroughly. The safari bus in the form of a tiger has a wide window and a large field of view is very good. It can be overlooked from a slightly high position, and In all the excitement the 30 minute tour time passes in a flash. It is a good point to be able to enjoy comfortably even in the rain.

You can make memories

Also, in the amusement park area, there are abundant attractions such as Japan’s first roller coaster “Diablo”, “scary ride” such as “free fall”, “horror museum”. Moreover, the large Ferris wheel on which a baby can ride as well as the world’s largest merry-go-round, the roller coaster that can ride from the age of 4, it is an amusement park where you can make memories.

a water slider having a total length of 100 meters

“Aquarea” is the largest resort pool in western Japan, surrounded by surrounding nature. There are plenty of kinds, such as the lazy river pool, the pool like a beautiful beach, the seven steps pool with an excellent view. There are also “Rocky River Run” which goes down the zigzag river by riding a floating ring, and a water slider which has a total length of 100 meters.

Information

Name:	Himeji Central Park
Address:	Toyotomichokodani 1436-1 Himeji, Hyogo 679-2121 Japan
Access:	JR Sanyo-honsen Line “Himeji-eki Station” (30 minutes by car)
Tel:	(+81) 79-264-1611
Price:	Please refer the official web site
Official site:	http://www.central-park.co.jp/

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum, Hyogo

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Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

The frightfulness can be felt

“The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum” is the facility aimed at disaster prevention and disaster reduction, which hand down the experience of the Great Hanshin – Awaji Earthquake to the next generation. The stylish building by the sea is a modern construction, and exhibits related to the earthquake disaster and programs are carried out. At “1.17 Theater”, the reappearance image of the occurrence of an earthquake reproduced with CG technology is shown, and the frightfulness can be felt. In addition, this facility gently lights up the building fantastically at night, and it will entertain the eyes of citizens and tourists.

There are two exhibition zones

The Great Hanshin – Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum is the facility where you can learn about the great earthquake through various exhibits. There are two exhibition zones of West Building and East Building, and the tour is the 4th Floor of West Building → 3rd Floor → 2nd Floor → 3rd Floor of East Building → 1st Floor and the course is decided.

There are various experience type exhibitions

In the West Building, there is the “earthquake vicarious experience floor” where you can vicarious the situation at that time, pictures of the time and relics of the victims, “the memory floor of the earthquake disaster” where you can see images such as news, “the disaster prevention and disaster reduction experience floor” which you can learn about preparation for disaster

Many people helped to support the affected city

The misery of the disaster at that time is transmitted from the photograph exhibited on the whole wall in “the section of leaving memory of the earthquake disaster’. In the materials being exhibited, it shows how many people helped to support the affected city.

This museum will be lit up at night

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum will be lit up at night. The lighting time zone changes every month, but the lighting end time is 21:00. The lighting start time can be confirmed by “Notice” on the official website.

Information

Name:	The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Museum
Address:	Wakinohamakaigandori 1-5-2 Kobe Chuo-ku, Hyogo 651-0073 Japan
Access:	Hanshin Dentesu-sen Line “Kasuganomichi-eki Station” (10 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 78-262-5050
Price:	600 yen (Adult) 450 yen (College Students) Free (High School Students or Under)
Official site:	http://www.dri.ne.jp/

Kobe Nunobiki Harb Gardens, Hyogo

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Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

There are lots of places to see

Kobe Nunobiki Harb Gardens is Japan’s largest herb garden with 12 theme gardens. About 200 kinds of herbs and flowers are entertaining visitors with their fragrance and pretty appearance. Here, there are lots of places to see, strolling through the gardens, taking pictures and enjoying herb dishes, so you can enjoy it all day there.

It is close to the main station in the center of Kobe

You can go to Kobe Nunobiki Harb Gardens only by the ropeway. It is also close to the main station in the center of Kobe, and from Shin-Kobe Station of the Shinkansen, you can reach the Harb Gardens Bottom station of the ropeway in 5 minutes on foot.

You can enjoy various scents

At the Observation Plaza, the stalls and the buildings are lined up to surround the plaza. Since there are plenty of tables and benches, so you can buy drinks and food at stalls, and can also eat there. In addition, there are souvenir department and scent museum in the building around square. The scent history and perfume bottles etc are displayed and you can really enjoy various scents.

Relax there while looking at the unparalleled view of Kobe

As you go down the road from the Observation Plaza, there is the Garden Terrace ahead of the halfway the Herb Museum.
There is “spice studio” in the Garden Terrace. There, exhibitions related to spices are being held. There are also experiential sections, so it is recommended place for children. There are also “Grass House (greenhouse)”, “Herb’s Foot Bath” and “Mint Cafe”, so you can relax there while looking at the unparalleled view of Kobe.

The fantastic light-up shows different aspect of the garden

Illuminations inside the garden are also performed by a limited time offer. The fantastic light-up shows us the appearance of the Kobe Nunobiki Harb Gardens, which is different from daytime. Please check the opening time and visit by all means.

Information

Name:	Kobe Nunobiki Harb Gardens
Address:	1-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0002 Japan
Access:	JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line “Shin-Kobe-eki Station” (5 minutes walk to the “Harb Gardens Bottom Sta.” of Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway)
Tel:	(+81) 78-271-1160
Price:	1-Day Ticket 1,400 yen (Adult) 700 yen (Junior High School Students or Under) Free (Preschool children) Night Ticket (from 17:00) 800 yen (Adult) 500 yen (Junior High School Students or Under)
Official site:	http://www.kobeherb.com/

Kobe Harborland, Hyogo

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Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

The most symbolic existence in Kobe

The Kobe Harborland is a commercial complex at JR Kobe station front, and is the area of the most symbolic existence in Kobe. Originally, the freight depot and factory of JR, and the place with a warehouse group were redeveloped, and the it was again born in a present commercial complex.
Large-sized shopping amenities are opened, and the subway, the Kobe harbor and the Takahama passenger terminal are also prepared.

The street of gas lamp

Speaking of the highlight of the Kobe Harborland, many commercial facilities are also attractive, but judging from the viewpoint of the tourist, it will be “the spectacle in character with Kobe ” symbolized the street of gas lamp, draw bridge, and the Port Tower.

Take a walk through the seashore while feeling emotion of port town Kobe

These spectacles are mainly concentrated on the sea side. So, you take a walk through the seashore while feeling emotion of port town Kobe that is the trade port from old times and should look in the neighboring commercial facilities if you have time to spare.

A restaurant, an observatory, a harbor, a park etc.

The Kobe Harborland has approximately 10 hectares of a Culture, a business area, and compound area of approximately 1.8 hectares. Main institutions are also various with a restaurant, an observatory, a harbor, a park, and commercial establishment, so when taking a walk these all, you need a full day.
Probably, it is good to decide at which institution you drop in at beforehand, when visiting.

Good to a souvenir are packed

There are many stores of delicious sweets located in Kobe. The Kobe pudding, a rusk, chocolate, etc. which are good to a souvenir are packed. Besides the specialty store of sweets, the department store is also sold and these can be purchased freely.
Moreover, one of the Kobe noted products “Nihonshu” (Sake), etc. is popular as a souvenir article.

Information

Name:	Kobe Harborland
Address:	Higashikawasakicho 1 Kobe Chuo-ku, Hyogo 650-0044 Japan
Access:	JR Tokaido-honsen Line “Kobe-eki Station” (5 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81)78-360-3639
Price:	Free
Official site:	http://www.harborland.co.jp/

Goshiki-zuka Kofun Tumulus, Hyogo

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

The end time of the 4th century

The ancient tomb “Goshiki-zuka Kofun” is on the heights which overlook Akashi Strait. From the form, it is called the keyhole-shaped mound. It is thought that the leading powerful clan who was governing Akashi Strait and its circumference was buried at the end time of the 4th century. In Japan, it is the 40th size. As a thing of this time, it is the ancient tomb of a large class.

The blackish stone is a stone in the period of ancient burial mounds

If you watch from the side of the ancient tomb, the keyhole type feature can be caught well.
The color of the stone is different between the flat side just before the ancient tomb and the side becoming higher in a circle. It is said that the blackish stone by the side of this front side is a stone in the period of ancient burial mounds which came out on the occasion of excavation investigation.

The brochure and an excavated clay image are displayed

Since it is precious cultural assets, before reaching an ancient tomb, it is necessary to take the necessary procedure in an administration office. The brochure about the old burial mound or an excavated clay image are displayed in the administration office.

The Akashi Channel is a strategic point of the traffic on the seas

From the old burial mound in the hill, you can look at Akashi Kaikyo Bridge which links Awajishima island to mainland of Japan under your eyes.
It means that there is no bridge in the second half of the 4th century when the ancient tomb was made, and people in those days had looked at the strait, but the Akashi Channel does not still change that it is a strategic point of the traffic on the seas as it was in the past.

A little history trip can be tasted

The pipe-formed thing which formed a line in a row is Haniwa (clay images). Although it is a replica, unlike the form of the face being familiar to ordinary people, it is a cylindrical clay figure.
When you stand in the ancient tomb and look at Akashi Channel over a clay image, for a mysterious view beyond time, you forget time for a while. A little history trip can be tasted.

Information

Name:	Goshiki-zuka Kofun Tumulus
Address:	Goshikiyama 4 Kobe Tarumi-ku, Hyogo 655-0035 Japan
Access:	JR Sanyō Honsen Line “Tarumi-eki Station” (10 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81)78-707-3131 (Goshiki-zuka Kofun Management Office)
Price:	Free
Official site:	http://goshikiduka.org/

Maiko Park, Hyogo

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

There are a lot of landmark architectures

The “Maiko Park” which is on the foot of the Akashi-Kaikyo Ohashi Bridge, in Tarumi-ku, Kobe-shi is the extensive park where the pine groves stand in a row.
This park has a beautiful stretch of sandy seashore dotted with pine trees, Emperor Meiji and the Father of the Chinese Revolution Sun Yat-sen visited here.
There is the monument inscribed with a tanka poem by Emperor Meiji and Sun Yat-sen Memorial hall, and there are a lot of landmark architectures.

The history and scenery of life of Meiji, Taisho, Showa, and Heisei era

In the park, there are “Maiko Marine Promenade” which is the facilities which can overlook can overlook of Osaka Bay and the Seto Inland Sea, the important cultural property which was built in the Taisho era, and the historical building designated also as registered tangible cultural properties. So, you can enjoy Japanese, Western, and Chinese style culture and the history and scenery of life of Meiji, Taisho, Showa, and Heisei era.

Excursion type promenade which approximately 150 meters stuck out

The Maiko marine promenade installed in the world leading suspension bridge “Akashi Kaikyo Bridge” is approximately 47 meters in height from a sea surface, an excursion type promenade which approximately 150 meters stuck out from the land to the Akashi Channel.

The feeling reached the main tower in Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

The data which explained Akashi Kaikyo Bridge intelligibly are exhibited by the first floor of the promenade entrance. In the view camera system of the eighth floor view lounge, the feeling which reached the main tower (about 300 m) in Akashi Kaikyo Bridge can be experienced. You can enjoy the walk of the marine promenade while looking at magnificent Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

You can enjoy leisurely for all day

In the park, you can take a walk slowly while looking at a bridge and the sea and can play a playground equipment while eating a lunch on a lawn with a child. Moreover, since fishing can also be enjoyed along the sea, you can enjoy leisurely for all day.

Information

Name:	Maiko Park
Address:	Higashimaikocho 2051 Kobe Tarumi-ku, Hyogo 655-0047 Japan
Access:	JR Sanyo-honsen Line “Maiko-eki” station (5 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81)78-785-5090 (Maiko Park Management Office)
Official site:	http://hyogo-maikopark.jp/

Kobe Port Tower, Hyogo

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Peculiar pipe structure used first in the world

The “center pier” which bears a role of the front door of an international harbor city of Kobe. The crimson tower, which looks beautiful in the green of Mt. Rokko and the blue of the sea and sky, stands there.
The “Kobe Port Tower”, landmark of Kobe. The beautiful appearance of the shape of warping drum is having peculiar pipe structure used first in the world. Daytime is the “red” rising up, and it is lighted up with 7,040 LED lights at night. From the observation room of the highest floor, the Kobe harbor, the city area, and the large panorama of the Mt. Rokko system can be viewed. There is the teahouse rotated 360 degrees in 20 minutes in the third floor, and in the fifth floor, the constellation of the four seasons by an optical fiber is displayed on the ceiling.

The night view of 10 million dollars spreads

The crimson Port Tower is 108 meters in height. It is known for the unique form which is not seen in the world.
The Osaka Bay and Awaji-shima island can be viewed from the observation room which can be overlooked 360 degrees. Moreover, the night view of 10 million dollars spreads at night.

Show the gently-sloping form

The pipe steel tube knit in the shape of a basket seems to be twisted as it goes to the upper part.
However, each 32 pipes, which is extending to the slanting upper part in a straight line, are crossing in the constriction part of the tower, and show the gently-sloping form.

As commemoration of the 90th anniversary of opening of the port of the Kobe

When the Kobe mayor at the time inspected Rotterdam Port, Netherlands, he looked at the tower which could overlook there port and seemed to wish to build an attractive tower in Kobe. And in 1962, the construction started as commemoration of the 90th anniversary of opening of the port of the Kobe harbor, and business was started in 1963.

Kobe Port Tower hardly received damage by earthquake

In 1995, the quay collapsed by the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake which attacked this area, and the surrounding building also suffered serious damage. Nevertheless, Kobe Port Tower hardly received damage.
The figure of the skillful white and red tower rose in the night sky on February 14, 1995, right after the earthquake disaster. The lighting was resumed in the hope of that “the light of hope of the Kobe residents who take action on revival”. It is said that the very good feedback was brought from the citizen who was pleased with this re-lighting.

Information

Name:	Kobe Port Tower
Address:	Hatobacho 5-5 Kobe Chuo-ku, Hyogo 650-0042 Japan
Access:	Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan-sen Line “Minatomotomachi-eki” station (5 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81)78-391-6751
Price:	700 yen (Adult : High school studentsand above) 300 yen (Children : Elementary and junior high school students)
Official site:	http://www.kobe-port-tower.com/

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